Inflammasome and Microbiota Functions in Skin, Mouth, and Gut Inflammation

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Immunology and Immunotherapy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 7111

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Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Microbiology, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India
Interests: gastric cancer; Helicobacter pylori; immunology; innate immunity; cytokine biology; cellular microbiology
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Guest Editor
College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
Interests: microcirculation; microvasculature; ischemia; oxygenation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The intracellular receptors, such as NLRP1, NLRP3, NAIP-NLRC4 (NLR family), AIM2 (ALR family), and Pyrin (TRIM family) are the major proteins known to form inflammasome upon activation. Inflammasome is a multimeric protein complex for activation of caspase-1 and subsequent cleavage of pro-forms of IL-1β and IL-18 to mature forms. Inflammasome formation is crucial in the immunological responses against pathogens. The role of inflammasome in the maintenance of commensal microbiota and related homeostasis is evident through several studies, especially in gastro-intestinal tract homeostasis. Oral mucosal microbiota, dysbiosis, and immune responses are relevant in the inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis. The function of gastric microbiota in the case of Helicobacter pylori infection and associated diseases must also be addressed. Generally, various microbiota functions are closely associated with the host immune responses, including inflammasome activation.

Several genetic mutations and polymorphisms of inflammasome components are associated with skin inflammation. The skin harbors many microbiota members to regulate immune responses and maintain cutaneous homeostasis. The role of skin microbiota in a wound is correlated with the healing process. Various skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne vulgaris, and even skin cancer, have links with dysbiosis. In addition, the involvement of skin–gut axis microbiota in the etiology of skin diseases is another major aspect to be considered in this scenario.

In the above context, we invite researchers to contribute with original research articles and reviews. It will elaborate functions of microbiota, dysbiosis, and inflammation in the diseases and homeostasis of interconnected epidermal and mucosal surfaces. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to submit their articles in this Special Issue.

Dr. Suneesh Kumar Pachathundikandi
Dr. Gopalakrishnan Sandeep
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • inflammasome
  • microbiota
  • dysbiosis
  • Helicobacter pylori
  • gastric inflammation
  • skin inflammation
  • wound healing
  • oral microbiota
  • oral pathology
  • inflammatory bowel diseases
  • skin–gut axis

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2884 KiB  
Article
Skin Microbiota: Setting up a Protocol to Evaluate a Correlation between the Microbial Flora and Skin Parameters
by Paola Perugini, Camilla Grignani, Giorgia Condrò, Harald van der Hoeven, Annamaria Ratti, Antonella Mondelli, Antonio Colpani and Mariella Bleve
Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030966 - 21 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2522
Abstract
The concept of skin microbiota is not really clear and more accurate approaches are necessary to explain how microbial flora can influence skin biophysical parameters in healthy individuals and in pathology patients with non-infectious skin disease. The aim of this work is to [...] Read more.
The concept of skin microbiota is not really clear and more accurate approaches are necessary to explain how microbial flora can influence skin biophysical parameters in healthy individuals and in pathology patients with non-infectious skin disease. The aim of this work is to provide a suitable, fast and reproducible protocol to correlate skin parameters with the composition of skin microbiota. For this purpose, the work was split into two main phases. The first phase was focused on the selection of volunteers by the administration of a specific questionnaire. The skin microbiota was then collected from the forehead of selected volunteers as a test area and from the shoulder as control area. On the same skin area, the biophysical parameters, such as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum level (SL), porphyrin intensity, keratin content and stratum corneum water content were taken. All parameters were taken at t0 and after 15 days without changes in the volunteers’ lifestyle. A strong correlation was found between forehead and shoulder area for porphyrin intensity, pH and TEWL parameters, and between Cutibacterium acnes and some biophysical parameters both in the forehead and the shoulder area. The procedural setup in this work represents the starting point for evaluating problematic skins and the efficacy of cosmetic products or treatment against skin dysbiosis. Full article
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Review

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20 pages, 1097 KiB  
Review
Activation and Regulation of Pancreatic Stellate Cells in Chronic Pancreatic Fibrosis: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Chronic Pancreatitis
by Fanyi Kong, Yingyu Pan and Dong Wu
Biomedicines 2024, 12(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010108 - 04 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1176
Abstract
In the complex progression of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) emerge as central figures. These cells, initially in a dormant state characterized by the storage of vitamin A lipid droplets within the chronic pancreatitis microenvironment, undergo a profound transformation into [...] Read more.
In the complex progression of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) emerge as central figures. These cells, initially in a dormant state characterized by the storage of vitamin A lipid droplets within the chronic pancreatitis microenvironment, undergo a profound transformation into an activated state, typified by the secretion of an abundant extracellular matrix, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). This review delves into the myriad factors that trigger PSC activation within the context of chronic pancreatitis. These factors encompass alcohol, cigarette smoke, hyperglycemia, mechanical stress, acinar cell injury, and inflammatory cells, with a focus on elucidating their underlying mechanisms. Additionally, we explore the regulatory factors that play significant roles during PSC activation, such as TGF-β, CTGF, IL-10, PDGF, among others. The investigation into these regulatory factors and pathways involved in PSC activation holds promise in identifying potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis. We provide a summary of recent research findings pertaining to the modulation of PSC activation, covering essential genes and innovative regulatory mediators designed to counteract PSC activation. We anticipate that this research will stimulate further insights into PSC activation and the mechanisms of pancreatic fibrosis, ultimately leading to the discovery of groundbreaking therapies targeting cellular and molecular responses within these processes. Full article
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17 pages, 3043 KiB  
Review
Gut Microbiota and Liver Transplantation: Immune Mechanisms behind the Rejection
by Ludovico Abenavoli, Giuseppe Guido Maria Scarlata, Maria Rosaria Paravati, Luigi Boccuto, Francesco Luzza and Emidio Scarpellini
Biomedicines 2023, 11(7), 1792; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11071792 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1288
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for patients with cirrhosis, decompensated disease, acute liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In 3–25% of cases, an alarming problem is acute and chronic cellular rejection after LT, and this event can lead to the [...] Read more.
Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for patients with cirrhosis, decompensated disease, acute liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In 3–25% of cases, an alarming problem is acute and chronic cellular rejection after LT, and this event can lead to the need for new transplantation or the death of the patient. On the other hand, gut microbiota is involved in several mechanisms sustaining the model of the “gut–liver axis”. These include modulation of the immune response, which is altered in case of gut dysbiosis, possibly resulting in acute graft rejection. Some studies have evaluated the composition of the gut microbiota in cirrhotic patients before and after LT, but few of them have assessed its impact on liver rejection. This review underlines the changes in gut microbiota composition before and after liver transplantation, hypothesizing possible immune mechanisms linking dysbiosis to transplantation rejection. Evaluation of changes in the gut microbiota composition in these patients is therefore essential in order to monitor the success of LT and eventually adopt appropriate preventive measures. Full article
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Other

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15 pages, 650 KiB  
Systematic Review
Skin and Gut Microbiome in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review
by Edyta Lelonek, Dorra Bouazzi, Gregor B. E. Jemec and Jacek C. Szepietowski
Biomedicines 2023, 11(8), 2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082277 - 16 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1460
Abstract
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease that significantly impairs the quality of life of affected individuals. The disease is characterized by persistent purulent lesions in specific anatomical areas, and its pathophysiology involves multiple factors, including inflammation, genetics, the microbiome, and environmental [...] Read more.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease that significantly impairs the quality of life of affected individuals. The disease is characterized by persistent purulent lesions in specific anatomical areas, and its pathophysiology involves multiple factors, including inflammation, genetics, the microbiome, and environmental components. Recent research suggests a potential role for pathogenic bacteria in HS, highlighting the importance of the communication between the human host and the microbiome in maintaining homeostasis and immune system reactivity. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the gut–skin microbial interactions in HS remain unclear. This systematic review aims to examine the existing literature on the differences in skin and gut microbiome composition between HS patients and healthy controls. The review identifies methodological inconsistencies and calls for further research to elucidate the microbiome’s role in HS pathogenesis and to explore new therapeutic interventions. The review highlights the need for advancements in microbiome research methodologies, such as metataxonomics and metagenomics, to improve our understanding of the microbiota’s impact on health and disease. Full article
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